CEO & Proprietor
TONY STEWART
As CEO of Quails’ Gate Estate Winery, Tony directs much of his energy in creating an environment that enables Quails’ Gate to succeed as one of the world’s best wine houses. He’s passionate about ensuring that Quails’ Gate visitors receive exceptional product and service. Tony and the rest of his team are confident and excited about leading the way in winery culinary tourism. He also devotes significant time to several local, industry, provincial and national associations.
Winery Chef
ROGER SLEIMAN
Roger has been an integral member of our culinary team for over a decade. During that time, he’s re-focused the culinary program at Old Vines Restaurant based on the principle of fresh simplicity. His philosophy and commitment to ensuring that only the best local/regional ingredients are used are part of the winery’s vision for providing outstanding culinary guest experiences. He regularly and proudly showcases the best of the Okanagan with these objectives in mind.
Winemaker
ROSS BAKER
Ross has been an integral part of our winemaking team since 2013 and was the protégé of former Winemaker Nikki Callaway. A native of Kelowna, Ross completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Wine and Plant option) at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Prior to starting at Quails’ Gate, he previously worked at Villa Maria Estates in Marlborough, New Zealand and also held positions locally at both Red Rooster Winery and Kettle Valley Winery.
Over the past 5 years working at Quails’ Gate, Ross has learned the amazing nuances to every block of our vineyards and is the perfect candidate to maintain the consistency and quality that Quails’ Gate wines are known for. When he isn’t toiling in the cellar or checking the vineyards, you’ll find Ross hiking, canoeing and enjoying the Okanagan with his wife Kristen and pup Stella.
Viticulturist
Chad Douglas
Viticulturist Chad Douglas brings his practical, agricultural up-bringing coupled with over fifteen years viticultural experience from Central Otago, Europe and most recently Oregon complemented by a Masters of Science degree to Quails’ Gate Winery. Chad’s Masters Degree researched the climatic limits of viticulture in New Zealand.
His viticultural philosophy considers that the each vineyard site is unique, requiring specific managing according to their distinctive subtleties particularly in combination with the challenges that cool-climate viticulture provides in particular with Pinot noir.
“The ability to be flexible is important, we would all like to be proactive but the reality of all farming and in particular with grapevines and their sensitivity to climate, means we have to be reactive. The only way to succeed is to be well organized, get to know your site, anticipate what could happen. It is also important to try new practices and technologies with the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and efficiency.”
When not among the vines, Chad enjoys the challenging demands of his two young boys, playing tennis, golfing, and looks forward to the many outdoor pursuits that the Okanagan offers; skiing and hiking, also cheering on the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team from afar.
